Marble countertops add classic elegance to any bathroom or kitchen. Unfortunately, if you don’t clean and care for them appropriately, keeping them looking immaculate might be difficult.
Marble is a delicate stone that needs to be cleaned carefully to prevent damage and keep its shine for many years.
If you are wondering how to keep your countertops in top shape, these marble care tips will help you maintain the best possible appearance for your countertops:
Keep the countertops clean
To keep bacteria and stains off your counters, you have to keep them clean at all times. You should note that marble is a natural stone that is susceptible to acidic liquids, resulting in etching or dull patches on its surface.
Due to this, it is critical to use a pH-neutral cleaner made exclusively for natural stone. Household cleaners, including vinegar, lemon juice, or bleach, can dissolve the marble’s surface, causing lasting harm, and you don’t want this, do you?
While it may appear tough to clean marble without using abrasive cleansers, it is not. Marble is easy to clean and maintain. Gentle soap and warm water are sufficient to complete the work.
Cleaning a marble countertop is as simple as washing it with water and soap, wiping it with a wet, hot dish towel, and drying it with an absorbent towel.
Cleaning with moderate soap regularly keeps marble counters looking great even after frequent use.
For daily cleaning, always use a soft cloth or sponge. Abrasive scrubbers or abrasive objects can damage the surface of your marble countertops. And this is the last thing you want.
A microfiber cloth is ideal for cleaning marble surfaces because it eliminates dirt and debris without causing damage. To avoid watermarks, gently wipe the surface with a damp cloth and then dry it with a clean towel.
Deal with spills immediately.
If you make a mess, spot wipe any spills immediately to avoid discoloration. The longer a substance remains on top of the marble, the more likely it will discolor. So, always move with haste.
Liquids such as wine, coffee, and citrus juice can easily penetrate marble’s porous surface, leaving stains and etching. When this happens, blot them up immediately with a soft, clean cloth when spills occur.
Work on stains as soon as you notice them.
Unfortunately, your marble countertop may discolor despite careful attention and regular cleaning. To be on the safe side, treat these stains right away. Oil strains like frying oil are cleaned using a mild cleanser or a few drops of ammonia.
You can remove organic stains from food or beverages, such as coffee and tea, using a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia.
Baking soda paste can also be a safe and effective remedy for stubborn stains that won’t come out with conventional cleaning. Baking soda is alkaline, so it will not harm your marble and can help remove stains from the surface.
Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to make a paste, then apply it to the stain and wrap it in plastic wrap. Allow it to sit for 24 hours before gently wiping it away with a soft towel.
Always use this approach sparingly since too much baking soda might degrade the surface over time.
Seal the countertops
While there are numerous ways to clean marble countertops and keep them looking good, an additional layer of protection is frequently required. Sealants can be an important part of maintaining marble countertops.
Sealers can help decrease stains and etching on marble worktops by acting as a barrier between the marble and other substances. The layers allow extra time to mop up spills before they discolor.
You can seal marble countertops as often as needed, depending on the countertop and the sealer formula used. When the water stops beading on the counter, it is probably time to reseal.
When applying the sealer, ensure that you use the right one installed by an experienced professional who knows what they are doing.
Keep the countertops dry.
Moisture left on marble surfaces can cause yellowing or dull areas over time. After cleaning or if water splashes on the surface, dry it immediately with a soft towel.
This prevents water spots from appearing and keeps your countertops looking shiny. Drying your countertops after each usage is a simple yet useful habit for keeping them shiny.
Watch out for heat
Use extreme caution while handling hot pans, pots, and liquids near your marble countertops. Heat shock can produce mild discoloration, burn damage, and, in extreme situations, cracking.
Prevent heat sources by using trivets or heat-resistant pads. To avoid close contact with hot appliances such as fryers and hot plates, use a protective surface on the marble counter.
Be cautious with sticky substances.
Accidents can occur, particularly on the work surfaces. Gum, grease, and adhesives may take some time to clean with the proper instruments.
As mentioned, prevent spill stains by cleaning them up before they dry. Avoid using glue and other adhesives on or near your marble surfaces to ensure they don’t come into contact with them.
Do not remove gum, grease, or adhesives with metal utensils when cleaning. Although marble is strong, sharp edges can scratch the surface. Instead, use a plastic putty knife or a fingernail to carefully peel the substance, or mix mild pH-neutral dish soap with warm distilled water.
To remove the gum, place an ice cube in a plastic bag and rub it on the gum until it hardens. Scrape the hardened item off using a plastic or wooden spatula.
For more complex substances, use a tiny amount of diluted rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits on a soft cloth. Always conduct a spot test before applying to a big area.
Parting shot
Keeping your kitchen countertops NC in excellent condition does not have to be difficult. But still, it does necessitate adequate care and attention. Following these simple maintenance tricks lets you keep your marble counters gleaming and attractive for years.
You can do most of the maintenance by yourself but if you come across a problem you can’t fix, don’t hesitate to get in touch with experts.